The ongoing coronavirus pandemic is causing some major happenings in the entertainment industry. When it comes to movies, it's seen film companies release movies digitally much earlier than they would otherwise, and now that's extended to the Sonic the Hedgehog movie, which premiered in theaters just last month.
Paramount has confirmed that Sonic the Hedgehog will get its digital release on March 31, with a physical home media release to follow on May 19. The Sonic the Hedgehog home media release boasts some special bonus features for fans to enjoy, which could very well convince those that already paid to see the movie in theaters to double dip.
As far as bonus content goes, the Sonic the Hedgehog home media release includes commentary by director Jeff Fowler and Sonic voice actor Ben Schwartz. It will also include a new animated short called Around the World in 80 Seconds that's being touted as "Sonic's next adventure," along with deleted scenes, bloopers, the "Speed Me Up" music video, a feature detailing Sonic's origin, and a set tour with Ben Schwartz.
The Sonic the Hedgehog home media release will also have a lot of content that should please fans of Dr. Robotnik actor Jim Carrey. This will include a feature called "For the Love of Sonic" where Carrey and the rest of the cast "discuss what Sonic the Hedgehog means to them," and a feature that shows Jim Carrey developing his Dr. Robotnik character. These special features seem like they will be exciting for Sonic the Hedgehog fans, though anyone interested will want to be sure that their digital retail supports special features, as that varies.
Arguably the most interesting thing about the Sonic the Hedgehog home media release is the new animation. It's likely just a throwaway animation, but perhaps it will give fans an idea of what to expect from the inevitable Sonic the Hedgehog movie sequel, whenever that materializes.
Unlike some other recent films, Sonic the Hedgehog was able to have a decent box office run before the coronavirus pandemic shut down movie theaters the world over. It's pulled in over $300 million at the time of this writing and has beaten Detective Pikachu for the title of highest-grossing video game movie at the domestic box office. This success more or less guarantees that a sequel is on the way, and it will be interesting to see if it can continue the momentum of the first film.
Sonic the Hedgehog will be available digitally on March 31, with a physical release to follow on May 19.